An arbiter reduced the suspension of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy on Friday from 10 games to four, but there could be another cleat to drop.
Hardy, who was found guilty of domestic violence a year ago, when he was a member of the Carolina Panthers, will probably challenge the four-game suspension in court. His representatives have indicated they will fight any punishment greater than two games, which was the penalty the league prescribed at the time before rules were amended.
The 10-game penalty was reduced by former NFL executive Harold Henderson, who was appointed to hear the appeal by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
In a letter to Hardy last month, Goodell said a two-month investigation by the league determined “that there was sufficient credible evidence that Hardy engaged in conduct that violated NFL policies in multiple respects and with aggravating circumstances.”
The NFL concluded that Hardy used physical force against his former girlfriend, Nicole Holder, in at least four instances.
Hardy was convicted of domestic violence by a judge in North Carolina in 2014 and given 18 months probation. Charges were dismissed earlier this year when prosecutors were unable to locate Holder, who failed to appear in court.
Follow Sam Farmer on Twitter @LATimesFarmer